When we first spotted this lovely piece by Test Collective[2] at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair[3], we were quite taken with the streamlined form and minimalistic look. The unit is aptly named Volume, because of its generous size and because it considers the storage, display, and celebration of vinyl records[4] – a unique sole-purpose for a piece of furniture which we found intriguing! While we certainly applaud the use of Corian[5] and bamboo, we think it is equally important to point out that the concept behind the piece – collecting old LPs instead of purchasing new CDs – is just as sustainable as the materials, making Volume all the more appealing to green music-lovers.

Test Collective, a full service design studio which started as a collaboration between Los Angeles[6] based environmental designer Chris Adamick[7] and Brooklyn based designer Piotr Woronkowinz[8] believes that “vinyl records now represent an auditory and visual delicacy rather than an outdated technology.” Chris adds that they wanted this piece to recognize the act of listening to music. And since he recently became a LEED[9] AP for New Construction, we can certainly feel good about the knowledge of sustainable materials that goes into Test Collective’s designs.

All of Test Collective’s pieces are handmade in the US, including the Facet table we admired from their ICFF booth in 2008[10]. You might want to think about picking up the table as a complimentary piece to Volume, since it is also made of bamboo and Corian[5]. Ordering is available through the Test Collective website[11] with a six week lead time.